Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1887-09-23

determined by the results produced when
introduced in the blood of previously
healthy animals. That il Is exceedingly
minute is proved by the difficulty ex-
perienced I'm its demonstration; and
that it is "A micro-Organism Is rem
dered probable by the SINH
ilarty of the disease to other cOmmunica-
bic diseases known to be due TO pathogenc
heterogeneous of this class.
The venom of the cobra hydrocync
acid, strychnine AMI other pOisons produce
| effects more or less prompt and decided.
according to the amount introduced into
the body of any animal And we can ex-
acty prognosticate, not only the result,
but the time about which IL should occur.
The virus of contagious diseases, and
more particularly hydrophobia, differs
from these, inasmuch as minute quantity
is as potent in inducing its particular NAL
ady In certain time "a large quantity;
and in the special disease now under con
sideration it may lie i'm latent condition
for long period without ailOrding the
slightest indication Of its presence.
As to the period Of incubation, ii is ex-
tremely uncertain. | will mention few
of the characteristic symptoms of rabies
i'm the dog, as distinguished from other
canine diseases.
The dog, when the period of latency has
passed, becomes restless and dull, with
draws from its companions, choosing soil
tude, stunning the light, hiding in cor
ners or under chairs or other furniture,
lying down, then getting up again in an
excited unnatural manner, and manifests
a tendency To rove about. Along with
these symptoms there is desire to lick
"a IA on a
object and to pick up stones. bits of wood.
straw, etc. At this stage of the disease
the tendency To bite is not observed, but
as the disease progresses the movements
Of the animal become unsteady. the eyes
follow objects In a peculiar manner, and
sometimes the dog will stare at some i'm
aginary object, then rush forward and bite
at anything that may chance to be in his
way. or even at the air, as if he were
catching flies The appetite Is lost but
the thirst is considerable. and the act of
drinking is performed without much diff
fculty during the early stage of the dis
ease. At a later stage however.
swallowing is performed with difficulty,
or not performed at all, owing to the spas
modic construction Of the throat. The
mad dog brought into the pre- ence Of one
of the canine species exhibits great ex-
element. evaporation and fury. with a
desire to attack and destroy what seems
the object of his hatred.
In the course of a day or two after the
first manifestation. the disease becomes
more marked. The desire to bite is great
ly augmented, the pupils are dilated, the
eyes alternately wide open with fury and
then closed in duh but fierce manner;
the forehead becomes wrinkled. and the
looks Of the anina al are terrifying and re-
pulsiye. The presence of living object
exciteS the rage of the sufferer, causing i.
to spring at and endeavoring to bite ii.
The voice of the rabid dog becomes
strangely altered. Ii is blending of a
bark and howl, having a croupy sound
and most frequently is heard al N ght
When a dog uncOnGned becomes rabid.
there is much that is characteristic in his
mode of travelling. His gait NAV be term
ed rambling or jog trot; his head is carried
low, the tongue prOtrudes from the ii .e Of
the mouth or hangs pendant in front,
swollen and covered with dirt. 1t is rare
ly that he turns from his path to attack
anything, unless it be- an animal of the
same species, TO which invariably they
show the greatest anmosity. But woe
betide any one who attempts to stop his
onward course. This pace j. continued
with little intermission until exhaustion
overlakeS him. or it may he fl, when he
creeps into an obscure place and lies in
comatoSe state for hours.
All kinds of treatment have been resort
ed tn, but Of no avail except that which
would allay the pain and terrible suffer
ings of the patient. Recently a new
method of treatment has been adopted
and practiced more particularly by Louis
Pasteur Of France